D CEO ⋅ January 2009

Lexus "IS F"

It may not look dangerous, but the IS F turns cautious drivers into speed demons.

By Kristiana HeapFrom D CEO January 2009

LOW PROFILE: It may not look dangerous, but the IS F turns cautious drivers into speed demons.photography courtesy of Toyota

Sliding behind the wheel of the Lexus IS F, I knew I had some decisions to make. As in, how far should I venture into the upper end of the 185 mile-per-hour speedometer? What do I have to do to get the $64,000 to pay for this car?

And, when I get a speeding ticket, can I expense it?

The stark but comfortable interior was the first clue that this car is all business. Couple that with 8-speed manumatic paddle shifters and the deep growl of quad stainless steel exhaust pipes, and you’ve got a serious sports car.

With 416 horsepower, the F in IS F could stand for fast—or for freakin’ fast—but you won’t be thinking about silly things like words when you’re the pilot of this rocket.

After the test model was delivered to my office on Oak Lawn Avenue, I thought I would take it out for a quick spin. Half an hour later, after promising myself I would turn around at the next exit, I was in Plano.

A car like the 2008 IS F does have a downside: It turns even normally cautious drivers into speed-thirsty maniacs.

But the damnedest thing about the IS F is its surprisingly unassuming exterior. I flew down the highway in a bright blue model, and only a handful of people noticed. In parking lots, at valet stands—nothing.

Nobody seemed to realize what was under the sedan’s hood. Which made it even more delicious when I raced through all eight gears and left them in my highly satisfying dust.